What is the relationship between Music and Dance?
Music and Dance are two artforms that are inextricably tied. For centuries now, across many periods of history, from a gavotte to street dance, people have danced to music of all forms and styles. And yet the relationship between the two is rarely discussed, which makes me wonder… why?
On either side, it seems the other artform is always seen as lesser, which of course makes sense. A dancer will see the dance as the most important component and the musician will think otherwise. Perhaps a dancer may see the music as a back drop for their artform and a musician see a dancer as a vehicle for theirs? But sometimes I think this lack of awareness in the importance of the other artform can be quite short-sighted, since ultimately it is the successful collaboration between the two that leads to the best results. It is quite obvious, in any production, where one side has been left behind in favour of the other, which is an issue that could be so easily avoided.
It seems, to a certain extent, within the world of ballet, the music has always been seen as secondary. Full length ballet scores written specifically for the intended production are somewhat rare, with many productions relying on pre-written music, or music re-worked for the purpose it needs to fill. And yet, it is clear that the ballet productions with original scores have become the most timeless- Giselle, Coppelia, Sylvia, Swan Lake, The Seeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Petrushka… need I go on?
“It is noticeable that in numerous books that have been written about ballet the music is seldom mentioned...But although the dancers and their steps, seem at the time, more important than the music to which they dance, history does much to reverse the position, for it is the music that survives and not the steps.”
And yet, the music world does little to help this. I have gone to see so many concerts where ballet music is played in the absence of the dance itself, for example The Firebird, The Rite of Spring and Daphnis and Chloe. In many ways, it does much to prove that the music can stand alone without the dance, which may not be the case when the artforms are reversed, but it also does little to convey the story and collaboration behind the music. And so, the artforms stay very much in their separate worlds, with only select musicians crossing over to the world of dance, in the form of music directors, conductors and orchestral musicians.
To me, ballet and music are incredibly equal, with neither overtaking the other. This is likely due to the fact that I was introduced to both sides in the same year, having started piano lessons and seen my first ballet at the age of 4. Sure, individually ballet and music are marvellous, but together they were always the best. And ever since, I have always seen it through that lens. For, at the end of the day, you can’t watch music and you can’t listen to dance.
So, I don’t see why the relationship between music and dance can’t become stronger, with both artforms coming together to create powerful and timeless productions to last a lifetime. It shouldn’t be a competition between a composer and a choreographer, but a united force to create something that serves the dancers, musicians, company and, of course… audience. Because, let’s be honest, there is so much that goes into creating a ballet production, no one single person could ever do it by themselves. It will always require a balanced view of all fundamental sides, including a wonderful score, in order to lead to the greatest end!
“...The ballet with the best chance of immortality is the one with the best music. A ballet with wonderful dancing and poor music may give just as much pleasure over a short period of time... but has little or no hope of survival.”
